Tree info - Tree Guider

While reading Orwell’s 1984, the one place that strikes the readers is the cafe. This is because the cafe has a cryptic name. So, readers often wonder, “What is the chestnut tree café?” Well, literally it is a local bar in the story. But symbolically, it depicts the scenario of betrayal. Some courses of events and character development unveils the true meaning of the cafe. Let’s get to know that in detail. What Is the Chestnut Tree Cafe in 1984? The Chestnut Tree Cafe in the novel 1984 is a local bar or meeting place in Oceania. It is an escape place for many oppressed people of Oceania state. And the oppressors or higher-ranking members of the ruling party visit this cafe too. This cafe is introduced to the readers through the main character “Winston Smith.” He often visits the cafe bar to escape the torturous and oppressing settings. And he reads the newspaper, plays chess, and drinks tonics there. Sometimes he discusses political issues with the barman. Each visitor to the cafe has their own reasons to pay a visit there. Likewise, Winston comes to the café, as he finds comfort and a sense of belonging. If you are thinking, this is what is all about the cafe, hold on. Because there is more to its symbolism as I will explain in the next section. What Is the Symbolism of the Chestnut Tree Cafe in 1984? George Orwell has mastered the art of placing symbolism in his write-up. And he did not disappoint with 1984 too. Let me break down the symbolic significance of the Chestnut Tree cafe for better clarity. Initially, the cafe seems to be a casual place visited by thought criminals that try to rebel against the ruling party. And they come here before they are tortured and killed. As the story develops, the cafe symbolizes irony. Generally, the chestnut tree symbolizes justice and honesty. So, you might think that the cafe represents the honesty of the characters. But no, ironically, the cafe represents the betrayal and injustice that are the core of an oppressed society. The irony is presented through Winston. The main protagonist Winston writes his rebellious thoughts in the cafe against the ruling party. So, it seems that he will bring justice to the oppressed society. But in the end, he does not stay true to his honest self after the authority imprisons him for having rebellious thoughts. He betrays his love interest Julia and prevents himself from rebelling just to get out of prison. And after the betrayal, he visits the cafe and feels happier and liberated. His first visit to the cafe from the prison indicates that in an oppressed society, if you obey the oppressors you will be free from punishment. But this life keeps your true self at stake. And you need to turn a blind eye to injustice and dishonesty. In such a society, one needs to betray each other to save one's own life. Therefore, in the cafe, the story ends with a song that quotes “I sold you and you sold me.” And here is what the other symbols of the novel indicate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRqHmmEfoCM Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q’s): Who are the frequent visitors of the Chestnut tree cafe in 1984?The protagonist “Winston Smith '' is a regular visitor to Chestnut tree cafe. Also, high-ranking member O’brien and Winton’s friend Syme regularly pay a visit to the place.Why does Winston go to the Chestnut Cafe after his release from prison? Winstons finds comfort in the chestnut cafe. And it feels like his true home. So, to forget his tortuous day-to-day life, he visits the cafe. Why does the 1984 novel end in the Chestnut Tree cafe?In order to emphasize the theme of betrayal, Orwell uses the Chestnut Cafe setting to finish his story. Also, to depict irony, he chooses the place. Conclusion Readers that try to explore the literary devices of the novel 1984 often ask, “What is the chestnut tree café” in its symbolic meaning. The symbolic significance becomes prominent at the end of the novel. And if you want to understand how the cafe represents betrayal and irony, I’d highly recommend reading the novel. The characteristic conflicts presented at the end emphasize the symbolism.